The Memoirs of Field Marshal Keitel

The Memoirs of Field Marshal Keitel

Edited by David Irving | Hardcover edition

Historical Significance

Wilhelm Keitel served as Chief of the High Command of the Armed Forces (OKW) from 1938 until 1945, present at virtually every major military conference of the war. He wrote these memoirs in his Nuremberg cell before his execution, providing a first-hand account of the German supreme command from within.

Scope and Content

The memoirs document Keitel's perspective on the major strategic decisions of the war—the campaigns against Poland, France, the Soviet Union, and the final defence of Germany. Written with access to no documents and facing death, Keitel recorded his recollections of conferences with Hitler and other military leaders.

Editorial Contribution

David Irving edited and annotated the memoirs, providing historical context and documentary verification where records survive. The editorial apparatus identifies discrepancies between Keitel's recollections and contemporary documentation.

For Researchers and Collectors

Essential primary source for Wehrmacht command studies, Nuremberg trial research, and scholars examining German strategic decision-making. The annotated format supports critical academic use.

Edition Details

Hardcover binding with archival-quality paper stock. Editorial notes and documentary appendices. Built for institutional and private collection use.

About This Edition

Limited modern collector printing from Focal Point Publications. Scholarly editorial apparatus preserved.

Related Works from Irving Books

• Hitler's War — Strategic context
• Nuremberg: The Last Battle — The trial proceedings
• Göring — Fellow defendant biography